Serve God, Not Money (Luke 16:13)

2026 Bible Reading: Luke 15–16

PRINCIPLE: Serving God requires undivided devotion. (Luke 16:13)

“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” – Luke 16:13

Context

Jesus taught His disciples about wealth through the parable of a dishonest manager facing dismissal for wasting his master’s possessions. The manager reduced the debtors’ obligations, hoping they would welcome him after he lost his position. Jesus used the manager’s shrewdness as an example to teach wise use of present resources in view of eternity, without approving dishonesty. (Luke 16:1–9)

Jesus then explained that faithfulness with earthly wealth revealed a steward’s trustworthiness. He concluded that no one could serve both God and money. The Pharisees, who loved money, ridiculed Him, but Jesus reminded them that God knew their hearts. How they responded to His teaching and used their wealth revealed whether they truly served God or money. (Luke 16:10–15)

Exposition

Jesus began, “No servant can serve two masters” (Luke 16:13a). A “servant” (Greek: oiketēs) referred here to a household slave. While the broader term for slave (doulos) emphasized the person’s status, oiketēs highlighted household service. The “masters” (kyrios) exercised ownership and authority, and to “serve” (douleuō) meant obeying a master as a slave. Although a slave could have more than one owner, he could not give undivided allegiance to masters whose demands conflicted.

Jesus explained, “for either he will hate the one and love the other” (Luke 16:13b). To “hate” (miseō) meant here to disfavor or disregard one, while to “love” (agapaō) expressed regard for the preferred master. When their demands conflicted, loyalty to one meant setting aside the claims of the other.

He continued, “or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Luke 16:13c). To “be devoted to” (antechō) meant to cling to someone, while to “despise” (kataphroneō) meant to treat someone as having little value. These words reinforced the incompatibility of devotion to competing masters.

Jesus concluded, “You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:13d). He pictured wealth as a rival master that could govern a person’s heart and choices. His disciples could use money faithfully for God’s purposes, but they could not give it the allegiance God required. When financial gain conflicted with obedience, God’s authority had to govern their response. (Luke 16:9–12)

Therefore, Luke 16:13 meant that serving God required exclusive allegiance. His disciples were to submit their financial choices to Him and refuse to let wealth become their master.

Theological Reflection

Luke 16:13 teaches that God requires the undivided allegiance of His people. His authority extends to every part of life, including financial desires and decisions. Devotion to Him involves acknowledging His rightful rule and refusing to grant any possession the authority that belongs to Him alone. (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Matthew 4:10)

Because God requires exclusive allegiance, love for money threatens faithful obedience. Wealth becomes a rival master when its pursuit determines what a person values, trusts, and obeys. Financial gain can become so important that God’s commands are disregarded whenever obedience appears costly. Such attachment exposes a misplaced devotion that draws the heart away from Him. (Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 6:9–10)

Undivided devotion to God places wealth under His authority. Believers receive possessions as a stewardship and express their allegiance through honest dealings, generosity, and care for others. Their hope rests in God, enabling them to share what He provides and pursue His purposes without making financial advantage the condition of obedience. (1 Timothy 6:17–19; Hebrews 13:5)

Financial choices reveal whose authority governs the heart. Since God alone deserves His people’s ultimate allegiance, wealth must remain subject to His will. Serving God requires undivided devotion expressed through both wholehearted love and faithful stewardship.

Applications

First, Acknowledge God as Your Master

“No servant can serve two masters” – Luke 16:13a

Jesus calls us to recognize that allegiance cannot be divided between competing authorities. God’s rightful place as Master includes our work, income, possessions, and plans. Serving Him means accepting His authority over the choices we make with everything entrusted to us.

Bring your financial priorities before God. Examine whether your plans reflect His commands and the responsibilities He has given you. Reject an opportunity that requires dishonesty or disobedience, even when it promises greater income. Let God’s Word determine what you pursue and what you refuse.

Second, Give God Your Undivided Love

“For either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” – Luke 16:13b–c

Jesus teaches that loving one master leads to disregarding the other’s demands. What we love influences what we protect, pursue, and obey. Wholehearted love for God becomes evident when we obey Him even when doing so involves financial cost.

Examine your response when obedience involves financial cost. Identify any desire for more that has weakened your willingness to give, share, or act honestly. Refuse to measure your worth by income or possessions. Cultivate contentment, thank God for His provision, and trust Him as you choose obedience over financial advantage.

Third, Use Your Wealth to Honor the Lord

“You cannot serve God and money.” – Luke 16:13d

Jesus teaches that we must serve God rather than money. We express devotion to God by using our resources according to His will, providing for our families, helping those in need, and supporting gospel ministry. These are practical ways to honor Him with what He has entrusted to us.

Review your spending, saving, and giving in the light of God’s Word. Fulfill your obligations honestly, provide responsibly for your household, and set aside resources to help others and support gospel work. Look for a practical opportunity to give generously today. Use what God has entrusted to you in ways that honor Him and serve others.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for reminding us today through Your Word that serving You requires undivided devotion. Help us acknowledge Your authority over our hearts, financial choices, and possessions.

Empower us through the Holy Spirit to love You wholeheartedly and resist the desire to let money govern our lives. Strengthen us to obey when faithfulness involves financial cost, and teach us to trust Your provision. Guide us to manage our resources honestly, fulfill our responsibilities, and give generously. May everything You have entrusted to us serve Your purposes and bring You glory.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.